Sunday How To's: Having a Productive Day

How to have a successful day!

Have you noticed how you have those days where you "need to get that one thing done TODAY" and for some reason it's a real struggle to even think about starting it? 

Personally I don't like those days, after my many years of perfecting the art of procrastination, I've also learned a few tips and tricks to having a productive day. 

So here are a few that I've come up with, let me know if you have any other ideas or if you think that these will not work at all and you're doomed to be a lazy POS for the rest of your life. (: 

Breakfast. Be About It.

 Pretty cliché I know. But it does work! I'm not saying you have to get up at 5AM to able to sit down, read the paper and solve world hunger all before the sun comes up, not at all. But when you set a side some time to eat some cereal or make some coffee and grab a bagel, it feels like you finished something already! Eat it at home. Rushing out the door with a granola bar doesn't count. 

Map Out Your Day

 As you're eating your bagel or brushing your teeth start actually thinking about your day. Make a mental list of the things that you want to do. Think about when you're going to do them. Visualize yourself making these things happen. 

Make Your Day Top Heavy

 This step and the last step go hand-and-hand. As you're mapping out your day, make sure to get the thing that has been lingering over your head, done first! As difficult as that may be, do it. Then reward yourself AFTER you finished it. Spring for the large coffee at Starbucks or, if you’re like me, watch your guilty pleasure on Netflix (cough Vampire Dairies cough).

Actually Get Up

This is easy, if you think getting up and out of your house before 10AM is "Early" than maybe we should re-prioritize. You'll be surprised how much more day there actually is. 

Nails & Lips: The Forgotten Accessories

Forgive the old photo for everyone who knows me. But, I thought it emphasized the point I am trying to make perfectly! Nails and lips are becoming the forgotten accessories. Even if your not super into lipstick, or care about manicures they can make a world of difference. Throwing even a tinted lip moisturizer or lightly colored lipgloss on can really enhance your look.

If you are someone who loves a T-shirt and jeans, try a bright lipstick. It will instantly take your look from being beyond basic to looking like an actual style. If your really against lipstick try doing the same thing but with your nails. With nails an important thing to remember is if your going to paint them take care of them. I personally think chipped nails draw much more bad attention to your hands then do nails with no polish at all. If your someone who can't stand keeping up with chipped nails like me, go treat yourself to a gel manicure. It will give you over two weeks of flawless looking nails, without getting those fake ones.




Here are some nail polish colors I am really loving right now:



OPI Ski Teal We Drop // Essie Going Incognito // Essie No More Film

Essie Carry On // Essie Hot Cocoa // Essie Power Clutch

Essie Cashmere Bathrobe // Essie Bobbing for Baubles // Essie After School Blazer

Note: Picture's of nailpolishes from Pinterest

And here are some Lip products:

Twig by MAC

Love using Velvet Teddy by MAC then topping it off with Deelight by MAC for the perfect nude.

Speak Louder  by MAC

Sugar Lip Treatment : Berry, Rose, and Passion. These go on just like chapstick feel great but actually produce a lot of color!

Healthier Habits: End of the Detox

After 23 long days we have finished our shopping detox! Even though we were not perfect and admittedly had a few relapses, it worked! 

Liv:

I pretty much kept myself busy the whole time.  As odd as it sounds I need a distraction from wanting to go to the mall. Then I realized, “how did I even have time to go to the mall in the first place?” I’m so busy with school, work and balancing just everyday life; going to the mall was the last thing on my priority list. It felt really good not constantly feeling like I'm missing out on something. I did, however, end up buying two new things. I felt really bad about it and instantly had shoppers’ remorse. 

All and all, it was nice taking a break from shopping it isn't needed anymore. It's just like taking a break from social media sometimes you just have to. It's a struggle at first but after awhile you don't miss it. 

Krystal:

At first I thought this was going to be so hard. I kept getting emails about deals, and wanting to check all my shopping sites. But, next think I knew a week had gone by, and the another. I committed all that time I did previously shopping to focusing on school, work, and this blog. Of course will shop again but in a more controlled way. The UPS and Fedex man will be happy not to do the hike to our apartment door weekly any longer. 

Get Cooking: Cajun Shrimp

So, I'm sure you're all thinking pasta..with shrimp.. again? BUT, I promise this is much different. I had to post this because it has become one of the favorites at my apartment. It is a Cajun Shrimp Alfredo. I really love this seasoning would be interested to see what else it could be used for. Even though this recipe calls for sausage I usually just use shrimp. I do think chicken would be a good substitute to. Happy cooking!



Emeril's essence Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly. This will make more then you need for the recipe so save it!

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 tablespoons Essence, plus more for garnish, recipe follows
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
10 ounces andouille sausage, chopped
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 shakes Worcestershire sauce
1 pound linguine
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan

Directions
Place the shrimp and 3 tablespoons Essence in a large resealable plastic bag and shake. Place the bag in the refrigerator while you prepare the sauce.

Heat a deep 3-quart skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the andouille sausage. Saute sausage for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes and garlic and cook 1 minute. Add Worcestershire sauce.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions.

To the skillet, add cream, milk, remaining Essence, black pepper, chili powder, and salt. Stir to a consistent color. Add butter and stir until melted. Stir in cheese until melted. Lower heat to a simmer.

Heat the remaining olive oil in another large skillet over high heat and add the shrimp. Saute shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until they just start to turn pink. Add the shrimp and cooked, drained pasta to the first skillet. Stir to combine and blend flavors, about 1 minute.

Note: It's Friday try this on your special someone, or your friends have a night in!

Outfit of the day: Soldier Girl Tell Um

First the title of this post, credit given to one of my awesome friends Jackson. He saw me wearing this outfit on the left and that was the first thing that came out of his mouth. It made me smile so I had to roll with it.

Camouflage, such an interesting print. One trend that walks a fine line between forest friendly and fashion forward. If you're like me and kind of love it here are two of my personal twists on it.  I tried to pick looks that were pretty opposite from each other. Both looks are fun but, the left is much harder and the right is a much softer. Thats what is so great about these pants, they are extremely versatile. 

Outfit One:

• Pants, Zara
• Tank, Macy's
• Sweater, H&M,
• Jacket, SuperDry 
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Beanie, Neff
• Bracelet, Nordstroms
• Watch, Fossil 

Outfit Two:

• Pants, Zara
• Sweater, Forever 21
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Scarf, Heartbreaker

My advice is be careful with camouflage that has had little to no manipulation and uses cheap looking fabric. When the camouflage print looks like you actually got it from a hunting store, or the fabric is extremely low quality thats when camouflage can start getting really tacky. On my pants the colors are pretty mute and they have some feminine detailing on the bottom with the gold snaps. This helps them stray away from being to much of a literal translation. 

The definition of Camouflage is the use of any combination of materials, coloration or illumination for concealment. When it comes to your clothes you're not trying to hide! So when you're at the store stop and think, could I blend into a pile of leaves right now?   

Sunday How To's: Dress for Success

Everyone has that same image of the "sexy secretary" a hyper sexualized women in the work place wearing a skin tight pencil skirt with a slit up the back and a low cut top. This is not a good look. It is important, especially as women, to present ourselves properly in professional environments. Women before us have worked too hard for us to be able to come to professional arenas and be taken seriously. To disrespect that by dressing inappropriately really hurts me. Lately at a lot of events I have seen too many women dressing provocatively. That is what inspired me to do this how to. In these first images I am wearing a simple black dress that hits right at the knee and comes all the way up to my neck. Finding a perfect fitting black dress is an essential piece to your wardrobe. Depending on your body type different cuts and styles will flatter you best. It may take a lot of trying on but it is definitely worth it. DO NOT SETTLE. I know a lot of women enjoy feeling sexy. The perfect fitting black dress even though it is knee length and not baring cleavage can make you feel sexier than anything skimpy. Even more than sexy being dressed appropriately can truly make you feel beautiful and strong. This dress is so versatile, here I have it a little more dressed up, more of a work event versus everyday. But, I could easily dress it down and turn it into the perfect office dress. 

The Outfit: 

• Dress, Zara
• Jacket, Talbots
• Shoes, Steve Madden
• Necklace, Forever 21
• Watch, Fossil 
• Clutch, Steve Madden

Being dressed professionally does not always have to mean looking boring. That is a common thought I believe many people have. If you have a more eccentric personality there is a way to tie that into professional clothing and still make yourself presentable. Of course you must always keep in mind the crowd. If your at a law office where the most exciting thing you see is someone changing their suit from black to brown you probably do not want to wear a yellow dress. But, there is always business casual events that need attending right? This look I'm wearing once again is overall covering. It hits slightly above the knee but it is also not as form fitting. This dress is great for many things: a wedding, business casual event, and possible your job (depending on where you work). It is a really rich color but a classic cut.

The outfit:

• Dress, Zara
• Watch, Fossil
• Gold bracelet, Forever 21
• Earrings, from my mom
• Shoes, Me Too 
• Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection 

Note: I would suggest accessorizing different based on the event, you would not want this large bag at a wedding.

 Lastly pants, I know everyone doesn't like wearing dresses. Pants are nice because if you find a pair that fit you great they can be a base to many outfits. This means invest, like the black dress shop around and find a pair that fit great (get them tailored if necessary). It is easy to make a simple pair of black pants look different by changing the blouse or adding a jacket. If you decide to wear a shear blouse it is important to be very conscious of the undergarments that you choose. You do not want bra straps showing and you always want to make sure the tank top underneath is giving you enough coverage. 

The Outfit:

• Blouse, H&M
• Pants, Macy's
• Watch, Fossil
• Handbag, Dooney & Bourke
• Shoes, Steve Madden 

Note: Looking great and professional does not have to be expensive. Find versatile pieces that can be re-used in many outfits and practical shoes versus shoes that only go with one outfit. Also keep your eye out for sales. The black dress I am wearing was purchased during Zara's winter sale for $19.99. Since they offer free shipping both ways I was able to try on different sizes in the comfort of my own home. 

Things We Love: October X2

Krystal's October Obsessions 

I would say lipstick is always one of my favorite finds, but as fall approaches I am excited to pull out some bold darker colors. One of my favorites right now is Diva by MAC. I think it is such a rich beautiful color. Don't be scared by how dark it seems, I was put off at first to. Head to MAC and try it on what will it hurt right?

Have you heard of Ipsy? I might be the last person on the planet who did't know what this was but just in case anyone else is in my shoes I have to mention it. It's this site where you sign up ($10 / per month) and they send you a cute cosmetics bag with makeup inside! What more could a girl ask for? It lets you test products that you might not have bought on your own, plus its like getting a magic gift every month. BUT there is a waiting list so go sign up asap!

Classical Music, before you yawn it's amazing for studying. I hate sitting in silence when I study, I am easily distracted by noises around me and when I listen to my usual music I am to busy singing along. Now while studying I listen to this classical music medley I put on my pandora. It helps keep me focused and it's actually really calming. Highly recommend it.



Lately I've been wearing my hair curly more so than straight to keep it healthy and have a more natural look. But, when I do straighten it I want it to be as shiny and soft as possible. Recently I tried Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray. It smells great and has my hair looking healthy and feeling soft!



Lastly, I got new perfume while on my girls trip to Miami and I am obsessed its from a line called Tokyomilk Dark. I wear "everything & nothing" which is made up of mandarin, tuberose, gardenia, and vetiver but they all smell good. There is a big enough variety in the scents so there really is something for everyone. I picked mine up at Barney's but I know they are also sold at Sephora.

Outfit of the day: Comfy Casual

Photo credit: Jonathan Wirkus

Those days when you wake up and you just want to be comfortable, we all have them. The important thing to remember is on these days DO NOT reach for your favorite sweatpants. Even though it may seem harmless to have a scrubby day here and there you truly never know what a day holds for you, who you may meet, and what opportunities may be presented to you. First impressions hold a lot of weight and you want all the amazing qualities you have inside to be present properly outside. Unfortunately when someone see's us they make a judgement based on our appearance, and you do not want an off day to put a bad taste in the mouth of someone who could help you along your path.

Thats why its all about the balance. For me, my comfy day outfit always consists of a cozy sweater. Usually I prefer something oversized, the loose fit is why we all run to our sweatpants anyway right?

I am wearing a pair of 535 Levis in a grey, which can I say 535's are my life they are the best jeans and fit me like a glove guaranteed every time (highly suggest them), brown Steve Madden ankle boot, a pale yellow T-shirt, a Levi's denim button up, and an oversized sweater I acquired while in Morocco. For accessories I picked a slightly bigger slouchy Coach bag, a gold Fossil watch, and my favorite Ray-Ban's.

I will usually try and attach links to things I mention. A lot of my items are things I have acquired over the years so I will at least try to find similar up to date versions. :)

Get Cooking

The weather is starting to cool down outside so what better time then to turn up the heat in your kitchen? That's why we love this recipe! Peppered Shrimp Alfredo. It's pretty simple, takes less than an hour, and I am confident anyone can nail this even if your a little new to your kitchen. Do not get turned away if there is something in this ingredient list that your not to keen to. My boyfriend hates mushrooms so I personally leave those out almost every single time. Also if your someone who doesn't like to much spice I would highly recommend either cutting the cayenne pepper amount in half our removing it totally.

Happy cooking :)

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, diced (1/2 onion if it is large)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, diced
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 
• 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce 
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more/less to taste
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter together with the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper, and mushroom; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 2 minutes more.
3. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until firm and pink, then pour in Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and cream; bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir drained pasta into the sauce, and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

When A Little Retail Therapy Becomes an Addication

Let's all admit it, when we're feeling a little down, maybe a little upset, or even just bored, hitting up the mall is probably the best thing next to going into a 9 hour Netflix marathon surrounded by junk food and feeling sorry for yourself. Getting a little pick-me-up can really boost a girls' spirit and that's a fact. 

 But what happens when all those little trip start to add up? Trouble. Krystal and I are going through what we like to call a, "Shopping Detox." One month of no shopping. Here are the rules:

1) It's pretty simple, no shopping. Nothing can be bought that isn't a necessity  No clothes, shoes, makeup (outside of the everyday items: ex. Bright red lipstick if you do not already wear it), decor, etc.

2) This also includes food. After talking we realized we could get our fix of "New" by buying snacks and food. This includes, but not limited to: Starbucks, Caribou, Dining Out, Dining in, etc.

Just by having this discussion, we've realized our shopping habits and how they actually affect us. It's not a social activity anymore for us. The thrill of getting something new doesn't have the same thrill when it happens almost everyday. Conspicuous consumption is a very real thing we face in todays' society. It is something everyone should consider reading up about and then take a minute and say to yourself is this me? Frivolous spending really isn't that cute. If a month without shopping sounds to hard, consider all the things you could do to fill that time you would be at the mall. Volunteer in your community, exercise, take up a new hobby! I hope many of you will consider taking this detox along with us. 

  We'll occasionally post about our detox and keep everyone updated.

Links to Volunteer opportunities locally:

• Pillsbury United Communities 
• Girls in Action
• Feed My Starving Children